Discuss The Theoretical Framework Or Model You Intend To Use

Discuss The Theoretical Framework Or Model That You Intend To Use For

Discuss the theoretical framework or model that you intend to use for your capstone project. How does your chosen framework relate to your phenomenon of interest and research?

Paper For Above instruction

The selection of an appropriate theoretical framework is a critical step in designing a research project, especially for a capstone that aims to contribute meaningful insights into a specific phenomenon. For this project, I have chosen the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as the guiding framework. Developed by Albert Bandura, SCT emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the acquisition of behaviors, as well as the reciprocal interaction between individuals, their behaviors, and their environments (Bandura, 2020). This comprehensive model aligns well with my research focus, which investigates how peer influence impacts adolescent mental health outcomes.

The phenomenon of interest is the influence of peer relationships on adolescents' emotional well-being, particularly in navigating social pressures and developing resilience. SCT offers a valuable lens through which to analyze how adolescents observe and imitate peer behaviors, and how environmental factors such as social norms, school climate, and media exposure facilitate or hinder adaptive behaviors. For example, positive peer modeling of healthy coping mechanisms can promote resilience, whereas exposure to peer behaviors that endorse substance use may increase risk behaviors (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2020).

In relation to my research questions, applying SCT allows me to explore the dynamic interactions between adolescents’ perceptions, their social environment, and their behavior patterns. It provides a framework for examining how interventions can leverage peer modeling to foster healthy behaviors. Moreover, SCT emphasizes self-efficacy, which is instrumental in assessing adolescents’ confidence to manage social pressures, thus directly aligning with my interest in resilience-building strategies (Bandura, 2020).

Overall, the integration of SCT into my research offers a robust theoretical foundation to understand and influence peer-related behavioral outcomes in adolescents. Its emphasis on observational learning and environmental factors makes it particularly suited to addressing complex social phenomena and designing intervention strategies grounded in behavioral change principles.

References

  • Bandura, A. (2020). Social cognitive theory of person-environment influence. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(4), 513-522.
  • Schunk, D. H., & DiBenedetto, M. K. (2020). Motivation and social cognitive theory. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 36(1), 4-15.
  • Ajzen, I. (2019). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(4), 314-324.
  • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2021). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications.
  • Ormrod, J. E. (2019). Human Learning (8th ed.). Pearson.

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